The gastrointestinal complications of dermatomyositis are well known. Reviews, however, do not mention pneumatosis intestinalis in this disorder).1-3 Although noted in progressive systemic sclerosis,4-7 its association with dermatomyositis has been documented in only one case,5 unreported in the pediatric literature. It is important to distinguish this apparently benign condition from pneumoperitoneum secondary to intestinal perforation, which is a grave complication of dermatomyositis.1
CASE REPORT
W. W., an 8-8/12-year-old girl with a three-year history of dermatomyositis with prominent skin rash, disseminated subcutaneous calcification, muscle wasting and induration, also complained of occasional abdominal pain, recently localized to the right hypochondriurn and right shoulder. Inspite of continuous prednisone treatment and intermittent trials of azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide the patient's disease failed to remit.